Riots and public violence are usually an indication of widespread, deep-seated anger in a community about their poverty and social divisions.
In Tottenham, London, the community exploded after a demonstration at a local police station turned violent. Rioters torched homes and looted shops as a protest over the fatal shooting of a local man by police led to 42 arrests. Twenty-six police officers were also hurt, according to reports.
That the protest could turn so violent, so quickly is a sign of the depth of unemployment, poverty and racial tension in the area. That it has happened in the past, shows that the authorities have failed to properly deal with the alienation and division that appears to be rife in the community. Now, they have been quick to condemn the violence, which has escalated in other parts of London, and has in some cases degenerated into outright criminal activity.
The police must clamp down harshly on those who are using the social unrest as a cover for criminal activity and looting. But, the authorities should not use the crime as an excuse to sweep the real problems under the carpet. To prevent this happening again, economic development and social integration programmes must be put in place where necessary despite economic austerity policies.
